The Last LAF

All Good Things Must Come to an End This is the most difficult post I've had to write and coincidentally, it will also be my last. Today marks a day I was never convinced would come. Today, LAFS is two years old. It has been an incredible two years, absolutely incredible filled with more excitement, laughter, awe and humility than I could have ever dreamed. However, today is bittersweet, because today is Read More

INTERVIEW: Charna Halpern

The Mother of Improv Comedy I first fell in love with improv at iO's Clark Street location. iO changed my life, but my story is not unlike many others. Charna created a world at iO that many call "home" and it has become the center of their universe. Charna Halpern is one of the most influential people in improv, has paved the path for hundreds of comedians over the last few Read More

INTERVIEW: Matt Besser

Focus on the Game. Matt Besser is one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). UCB started as a Chicago-based improv team composed of Besser, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Amy Poehler and has transformed into a well-known comedy establishment in New York City and Los Angeles. These folks not only formed UCB but Besser, Roberts, Walsh and friends regularly perform together as ASSSSCAT. ASSSSCAT will be performing, with a Read More

INTERVIEW: Dan Bakkedahl

Just make a choice. Dan Bakkedahl has made his mark on Chicago's comedy scene. Coming up in the late 90s and early 2000s, Dan spent a lot of time at iO and Second City. Since his departure, you may have seen him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Community, Veep, Legit or a number of other television appearances. He was also in The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa Read More

INTERVIEW: Carisa Barreca

Do everything, because you’re going to need all of it. I am declaring Carisa Barreca Second City's sweetheart. One of the most beautiful, talented, kind and humble ladies I have ever met, Carisa has a heart of gold and nothing but good intentions. With a lifetime of performance background, she can do just about anything you throw at her. I was so lucky to be able to sit down with Read More

INTERVIEW: Scott Adsit and John Lutz

Hitting Your Mark in Hollywood Thanks to Aren Zolninger from Chicago Improv Productions, I was able to sneak in a few minutes to interview Scott Adsit and John Lutz before they took the stage for their "Super Secret" midnight show at Stage 773. As we were waiting for the show ahead of us to clear out, Scott, John and I stepped into a back hallway with CIP staff and a Read More

INTERVIEW: Tim Baltz

If you’re not listening, you’re going to miss the joke. After months of trying to nail down both of our schedules after Tim left Second City's Mainstage, I was finally able to meet up with him to talk life and comedy. I had the pleasure of meeting Tim last Fall at Jimmy Carrane's Improv Nerd and for obvious reasons, I was dead set on interviewing him. Tim is extremely passionate Read More

INTERVIEW: Ted Tremper

Just love what you love and let that be the work that you do. It was a true pleasure interviewing Ted, as I have an incredible amount of respect for him as a person, performer and filmmaker. He's so talented and is such a genuinely kind human being. We met at iO on a late November morning and, truth be told, divulged a great deal of personal details, some of which Read More

INTERVIEW: TJ Jagodowski

I am truly the luckiest person I know. TJ Jagodowski is not only one of the most brilliant improvisers I have ever seen, he's also one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I've bumped into TJ a number of times around iO, but it wasn't until the end of October where I had the pleasure of taking a class taught by him. This man is a poet and every Read More

INTERVIEW: Jet Eveleth

Dream big and then do it. I met Jet at her apartment where she lives with her improviser beau, Brett Elam and his sister Erica. We chatted about where her name came from, some of life’s big questions, drinking sake before bed to live longer and then she told me the details of the secret she’s been keeping from everyone for the last two years… Alright Jet, the first thing I Read More

REVIEW: The Chicago Dating Scene @ The Public House Theatre

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: The Chicago Dating Scene @ The Public House Theatre

Filled with heart and laughter.

The Chicago Dating SceneThe Chicago Dating Scene is a sketch comedy show about dating in Chicago. Go figure. This show is based on the real life dating experiences of the cast. Some have been exaggerated and, unfortunately, some have not. The show switches off between group sketches and individual monologues and by the end of the show, each cast member has shared a true dating story. Some are sad. Some are happy. All of them are relatable.

Read More

REVIEW: Almost a Genius

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: Almost a Genius

A Brilliantly Honest Show

Almost A GeniusMaria Wojciechowski’s “Almost A Genius” is the most brilliantly honest show I have ever seen. This show explores the tragedy of mood disorders and depression with dark comedic undertones. “Almost A Genius” is an extremely professional, thoughtful, creative, multi-media event that will leave your heart aching but filled with love and compassion all at the same time. Read More

INTERVIEW: Carisa Barreca

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Interviews | Comments Off on INTERVIEW: Carisa Barreca

Do everything, because you’re going to need all of it.

Carisa Barreca

I am declaring Carisa Barreca Second City’s sweetheart. One of the most beautiful, talented, kind and humble ladies I have ever met, Carisa has a heart of gold and nothing but good intentions. With a lifetime of performance background, she can do just about anything you throw at her. I was so lucky to be able to sit down with Carisa and discuss our admiration for our alma matter, Marquette University, love in improv and what it’s like to live out our dreams.

Read More

REVIEW: The Lockout: A Musical

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, Reviews | Comments Off on REVIEW: The Lockout: A Musical

The Lockout Brings Their A-Game

P1150137Six Hours Short writing duo, Ben Fort and Jason Gallagher (of ESPN/TrueHoop BallerBall.com), have put together nothing short of a brilliant masterpiece with “The Lockout: A Musical.” I have never seen a more professional production in this city that wasn’t on a Second City stage or in a Broadway theatre. With over 30 crew members, 16 paid cast members, costumes, a complete set and a full-length recorded album, these guys pulled out all the stops. Read More

“Yes And” Life. You Never Know What’s Going To Happen.

posted on by Kiley Peters posted in Chatter, News/Updates | Comments Off on “Yes And” Life. You Never Know What’s Going To Happen.

I had no idea the doors that would open.

Kiley Peters HeadshotAbout a year and a half ago I came up with the idea to create a blog that could serve as a resource for the Chicago comedy community and would help people see the parallels of life and comedy.

A year ago, today, I launched Life’s A Funny Scene. I had my fingers crossed that a few people might find it useful or entertaining and maybe some of my favorite improvisers might trust me enough to allow me to share their words of wisdom with the community at large. Read More